Brian T. Gongaware CFP®, SE-AWMA™

Brian T. Gongaware, CFP®, SE-AWMA™

Director of Advisory Services

Brian leads the firmwide fulfillment of commitments our advisors make to our clients through each of our three services (Wealth Management, Retirement Plan Services and Nonprofit Advisory Services). He also helms the Pittsburgh office, working with a team of advisors in the design and delivery of artistic solutions to complex financial challenges.

Licensing and Education

Bachelor of Arts in Business, Financial Planning Grove City College
Master of Business Administration in Finance and Management John F. Donahue Graduate School of Business, Duquesne University
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional
Entrepreneurial Fellows Class Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, University of Pittsburgh
Master Executive Course Magellan Executive Partners
Sports and Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (SE-AWMA™), College of Financial Planning

Accomplishments and Honors

Brian has been recognized as a “Five Star Wealth Manager Award” recipient for 12 consecutive years (2012-2023). He has also had the privilege to coach and guide several hundred professional advisors through speaking engagements, mentorships and industry leadership opportunities. His passion for leading and coaching others in building financial literacy carries over into his work with the Pittsburgh community. Most recently, Brian was awarded the 2021 E. Alan Bates Community Service Award by Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry for his many years of public service in the Pittsburgh area.

Community Involvement

Brian enjoys helping businesses that are facing business challenges of growth and sustainability and has served numerous organizations in fiduciary and advisory board capacities. Brian is passionate about learning, applying past experiences to new scenarios, identifying emerging threats and opportunities and leveraging extensive financial expertise to add value to critical financial decisions. Brian is blessed with a loving family; his wife, Joyce, and two daughters. He cheers for his hometown teams with enthusiasm and unrealistic expectations.

Selected Recognitions

2021: Brian T. Gongaware: Five Star Wealth Manager Award, Pittsburgh Magazine

Selected Resources

Brian’s Articles

Nonprofits

3 Things a Tesla has in Common with your Investment Policy Statement

If you serve on a 501(c)(3) executive or finance committee, you are responsible for drafting and maintaining a sound Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for your organization. Did you know that there are many commonalities between a well-drafted IPS and the unique engineering advancements that Tesla has brought to the automobile industry? Learn more.

Nonprofits

AN URGE TO GIVE: Considerations for Year-End Giving

From an early age, we learn the fundamental principles of gathering and accumulating. Yet, most individuals and families in the U.S. freely give away their assets to support others. Here's a deeper dive into who, how, and why people give, along with some commonly held philanthropy myths and who benefits from the generosity.

Wealth Management

The Big Breakup: It's Not You, It's Me

For decades wealthy and mass affluent families have worked with major bank and brokerage institutions. With changes in the financial industry, such families may be better served exploring a superior relationship model.

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